When To Send Out Wedding Invitations

Sending out wedding invitations is a crucial part of wedding planning, and timing is essential. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of the earliest you can send out wedding invitations, several sources recommend sending invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This timeline is considered proper etiquette and gives guests enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if needed. However, some circumstances may require sending invitations earlier, especially for destination weddings or weddings with a large number of international guests. In such cases, sending invitations around three months or even earlier is appropriate. Ultimately, the key is to give guests ample notice while also avoiding sending invitations too far in advance, which could lead to invitations getting lost or guests forgetting the date.

Invites for destination weddings should be sent earlier

The general rule of thumb is to send out wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests ample time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements, and it also means that you can request RSVPs sooner.

However, if you're planning a destination wedding, it's advisable to send out invitations earlier than you would for a local wedding. Aim for around 12 weeks before the wedding date. This is because a destination wedding will likely require more extensive travel arrangements and accommodations for your guests. Sending out invitations earlier allows your guests to take time off work and make the necessary bookings.

Additionally, if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or is in a far-off location, it's a good idea to send out Save-the-Dates even earlier—6 to 12 months before the wedding. This gives your guests ample time to plan and book their travel, especially if they need to request time off work or make other arrangements.

For destination weddings, it's also essential to consider the timing of your RSVP deadline. You'll want to give your guests enough time to respond, but not so much time that they procrastinate. Aim for an RSVP deadline of around one month before the wedding. This will give you and your vendors enough advance notice to make the necessary preparations.

Finally, if you're only inviting a few international guests, it's generally acceptable to send their formal invitations at the same time as your other guests. However, be sure to give them a heads-up about the wedding details ahead of time via phone call, text, or email so they can start making their travel arrangements.

Save-the-date cards can be sent up to a year in advance

Sending save-the-date cards early is a considerate gesture, especially for guests who need to book time off work and accommodation. It also gives you, as the host, a rough idea of how many guests will be able to attend, which is essential for destination weddings. Communicating a rough number of guests to your wedding venue will help them prepare, and it will also enable you to create welcome packs for your guests.

While it's exciting to start planning and sending out save-the-date cards, it's important not to send them too early. Ideally, you should send them as soon as you've secured the date with your venue, but no later than 9-12 months before the wedding. This timeframe strikes a balance between giving your guests enough notice and avoiding the risk of them getting lost in the shuffle of everyday life.

If you're opting for custom-designed save-the-date cards, it's essential to start the process early. Custom designs can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks, and you'll want to allow ample time for research, design, and delivery. On the other hand, if you're choosing ready-made options, you can order them as late as 8-9 months before the wedding.

When it comes to the actual wedding invitations, the recommended timeline is 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to reply and make travel arrangements if they haven't already. It's also a good idea to request RSVPs about a month before the big day to allow for final preparations and seating arrangements.

Invites should be sent 6-8 weeks before the wedding

Sending out wedding invitations at the right time is crucial to ensure your guests have all the information they need to plan for and attend your big day. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, here are some reasons why sending invites 6-8 weeks before the wedding is a good idea.

Allowing Enough Time for Planning

Sending invitations 6-8 weeks in advance strikes a balance between giving your guests enough notice and not sending them too early. This timeframe allows your guests to clear their schedules, make travel arrangements if necessary, and plan any other logistics to ensure they can attend your wedding. It also gives you an accurate guest count, helping you finalise details such as seating charts and catering.

Managing RSVPs Effectively

The 6-8 week timeline is also ideal for managing RSVPs effectively. It provides a reasonable window for guests to respond, reducing the chances of unexpected changes in plans. This timeframe gives you enough leeway to chase down late responses without sending invites too early and risking guests forgetting to respond.

Following Etiquette Guidelines

According to wedding etiquette experts, 6-8 weeks is the proper timeline for sending out invitations. While save-the-dates can be sent earlier, around 4-6 months in advance, the formal invitation should follow 2 months before the wedding. This ensures you communicate with your guests in a timely and considerate manner.

Accounting for Special Circumstances

If your wedding falls near a major holiday, such as Christmas, or if you have a large number of international guests, you may want to send invitations a bit earlier. In these cases, sending invites 3 months or even up to 12 weeks in advance is advisable to account for your guests' additional planning needs.

In summary, sending wedding invitations 6-8 weeks in advance strikes a balance between giving your guests enough notice and managing your guest list effectively. It's a timeline that considers both your needs and those of your guests, ensuring a well-planned and enjoyable celebration for all.

When to request RSVPs

Timing is Key

It is recommended that you request RSVPs no later than one month before your wedding date. This allows you and your vendors ample time to make the necessary preparations. Sending out your invitations six to eight weeks in advance is generally considered appropriate, as it gives guests plenty of time to respond and make travel arrangements if needed. However, if a large number of your guests are international or if you are having a destination wedding, it is advisable to add a few weeks to this timeline. Aim for sending invitations about 12 weeks in advance to accommodate their travel needs.

Save-the-Dates

Save-the-date cards are a great way to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding date, especially if many of them need to make travel arrangements. These can be sent out four to six months before the wedding, or even earlier for destination weddings. This ensures that your guests have enough time to block off the date and plan their attendance.

Be Mindful of Cultural Differences

It's worth noting that the timing of sending out wedding invitations can vary depending on cultural norms and geographical location. For example, in Sweden, it is customary to send out wedding invitations a year in advance! So, be mindful of any cultural differences and adjust your timeline accordingly.

Online RSVPs

To make it easier for your guests, consider including an option for online RSVPs through your wedding website. This can be especially helpful for international guests, as it eliminates the need for them to send responses through the mail, which can take longer.

Tracking Responses

Keep track of your guest responses to get an accurate headcount. Create a system to record each response, and don't be afraid to follow up with guests who haven't responded by the deadline. This will help you finalise seating charts, menu selections, and other important details.

Flexibility is Key

Remember, there may be last-minute changes, and some guests may change their plans unexpectedly. It's a good idea to give yourself a buffer by requesting RSVPs a little earlier than one month before the wedding. This way, you can account for any late responses or adjustments to your guest list.

In conclusion, when requesting RSVPs for your wedding, aim for a timeline that gives your guests enough notice while also allowing you to plan effectively. Be mindful of the specific circumstances of your guest list and wedding location, and don't be afraid to adapt your approach to suit your needs.

How to handle last-minute changes

When it comes to wedding planning, it's important to give your guests enough notice, especially if it takes them a while to RSVP. Here are some tips on handling last-minute changes:

Save-the-Dates

It is customary to send out save-the-date cards around six to twelve months before the wedding. This gives your guests plenty of time to plan and ensure they are available, especially if they need to book travel or accommodations. Sending save-the-dates early is also a good idea if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend or is a destination wedding.

Invitations

The general rule of thumb is to send out wedding invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. This allows your guests enough time to respond and make travel arrangements if needed. However, if you have a large number of international guests or are planning a destination wedding, it is recommended to send out invitations twelve weeks in advance.

Last-Minute Changes

• Keep a buffer: When ordering your invitations, consider ordering 5-10 extra. This will give you a buffer in case of last-minute additions to your guest list or lost invitations.
• Be flexible: Plans can change, and unexpected things may come up for you or your guests. Be prepared to adjust your plans and guest list as needed.
• Communicate promptly: If you need to make any changes to the wedding details, be sure to communicate these to your guests as soon as possible. This includes any changes to the date, time, venue, or accommodation.
• Follow up with guests: If you haven't received a response from a guest by the RSVP deadline, don't be afraid to reach out and ask if they plan to attend. This will help you get a more accurate headcount for your final preparations.
• Prepare for no-shows: Despite your best efforts, there may be guests who can't make it at the last minute. It's a good idea to have a list of additional guests you can invite if needed.
• Stay organized: Keep track of your guest list and responses in a spreadsheet or use a wedding planning app or website. This will help you stay organized and make last-minute changes easier to manage.
• Be understanding: Remember that your guests may also be dealing with last-minute changes or unexpected circumstances. Be understanding and flexible when you can.

Handling last-minute changes can be stressful, but with proper planning and communication, you can ensure that your wedding day goes smoothly.

Frequently asked questions